Sunday, March 16, 2014

World News Briefs -- March 16, 2014


Polls Open In Crimea For Secession Referendum -- RIA Novosti

SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine, March 16 (RIA Novosti) – Residents of Ukraine’s autonomous republic of Crimea flocked to the polls Sunday to vote in a popular referendum on the region’s secession from the country and a request for annexation by Russia.

Sunday’s referendum, widely expected to pass with an overwhelming margin, is at the center of the most serious geopolitical showdown between Russia and the West since the end of the Cold War.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US, Russia rift affects Syria, entire Middle East.

Syrian forces fully control rebel stronghold near Lebanon. Syrian army captures strategic border town.

Syria conflict has 3rd anniversary amid offensive.

Iran says sabotage prevented at nuclear facility.

Iran does not expect nuclear agreement in latest round of talks.

Lebanon to allow citizens to resist Israel: Policy statement.

Death toll rises in northern Lebanon clashes.

Palestinians protest UN food cuts in Gaza. Israel fuel deliveries to Gaza to resume.

ASIA

Karzai insists US troops can leave Afghanistan by year's end.

In final farewell to parliament, Karzai says war 'imposed' on Afghanistan.

Report: North Korea fires short-range rockets.

Long road to hold Kim, North Korea liable for crimes.

US 'disturbed' by death of Chinese activist Cao Shunli.

Indonesia starts election campaign, voters set to choose radical change.

AFRICA

Libya declares Force Majeure for eastern Hariga oil port. Libyan port rebels say ready for talks, demand Tripoli suspend offensive.

Partition of Libya looms as fight for oil sparks vicious new divide.

Rebels say deployment of regional troops to South Sudan 'ill advised'.

Ukraine crisis hampers EU's Central African Republic mission.

Special Report: Egyptian militants outwit army in Sinai battlefield.

Six Egyptian military police killed as gunmen attack Cairo checkpoint.

South Africa's biggest union calls strike for March 19.

Nigerian stadium stampede leaves seven dead.

EUROPE

Polls open in Crimea referendum amid high tensions.

Under watch of Russian troops, Crimea votes on secession.

Ukrainian Interim Foreign inister calls Russian military movements a 'provocation'.

Crimean govt: Referendum website downed by cyber-attack from US.

Right Sector leader: Kiev should be ready to sabotage Russian pipelines in Ukraine.

Slovakia's presidential election goes to second round.

Serbia's centre-right to tighten grip on power, promising reform.

France to limit vehicle use in Paris amid soaring pollution.

Swords of Damocles threaten French comeback for Sarkozy.

AMERICAS

Venezuela's Maduro gives ultimatum to Caracas protesters.

Venezuela wants US to join 'peace commission' to end unrest.

Ecuador’s popular, powerful president Rafael Correa is a study in contradictions.

In Colombia, two warring officials provide a portrait of a nation’s political divide.

Mexico to draw line on vigilantes.

​300 arrested at Montreal protest against police brutality.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

875,000 left in bureaucratic black hole that is US terror watchlist system.

Somali suicide bomber kills self.

U.S. rests its case against Bin Laden son-in-law.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Sina Weibo: 'China's Twitter' to list in the US.

New York steals London’s mantle as world’s top financial center.

Crimea vote to keep markets on edge.

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